Nuthatch Open
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Oakland Bird Alliance welcomes you to compete in our annual competitive birding event.
Link to the entry form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSditdlKZTJOT9nfUNDWrtgD86M6EFczZ8FLwUrsLOLHAB3yRQ/viewform?usp=publish-editor
BIRDING LOCATION: ANYWHERE IN OAKLAND COUNTY
There is no registration fee, however, donations are welcome and accepted.
Rules:
1. The competition will start at 12:01 AM and run until 4 PM. All checklists must be submitted to Kayla Niner (e- mail or similar) by 4:30 PM. One point will be deducted for each full minute late.
2. Teams must consist of 2-4 members.
3. See as many species as possible within the timeframe. Birds listed must be seen or heard by all members of the team to be counted. Each species counts as one point.
4. All participants must observe ABA Code of Ethics.
5. Regarding the use of Merlin:
Remember, Merlin is not always accurate and some birds, like Starlings and Blue Jays, are skilled mimics and can fool the app and occasionally it reports birds that just aren't there (like Ospreys at Red Oaks).
Acceptable use of Merlin:
✅ Merlin reports it hears a Yellow-Rumped Warbler, although you haven't heard anything. Your team decides to stick around in that spot until suddenly you see movement! You and your team get binoculars on the bird and identify it from field marks as the warbler.
✅ Merlin reports it hears a Virginia Rail. Your team stops and listens for a few minutes during which all members of the team hear the call with their own ears AND can recognize it as the Rail's call.
Unacceptable use of Merlin:
❌ Merlin reports it hears a Virginia Rail. You count it on the list and move on.
❌ You walk through an area and Merlin counts nine species. You only found seven. You up your list to include the other two.
Divisions:
Open Division - Any composition up to four (4) participants
Youth - More than 50% of the team must be less than 18 years old. Adult accompaniment is required, but the team can be multiple youths with no adult officially on the team.
Awards:
Trophies will be presented to winning teams in each division. These trophies will be perpetual and will rotate each year to the winners of the divisions.
One of the greatest things about birding is the honor system we all abide by with regards to listing. This event will run with that in mind.
After-party:
Independence Oaks County Park - 9501 Sashabaw Rd Clarkston, MI 48348-5 PM. We will review results, announce the winners, and enjoy a cookout. https://maps.app.goo.gl/X4CHSsavXSzFFtYT6
Link to the entry form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSditdlKZTJOT9nfUNDWrtgD86M6EFczZ8FLwUrsLOLHAB3yRQ/viewform?usp=publish-editor
BIRDING LOCATION: ANYWHERE IN OAKLAND COUNTY
There is no registration fee, however, donations are welcome and accepted.
Rules:
1. The competition will start at 12:01 AM and run until 4 PM. All checklists must be submitted to Kayla Niner (e- mail or similar) by 4:30 PM. One point will be deducted for each full minute late.
2. Teams must consist of 2-4 members.
3. See as many species as possible within the timeframe. Birds listed must be seen or heard by all members of the team to be counted. Each species counts as one point.
4. All participants must observe ABA Code of Ethics.
5. Regarding the use of Merlin:
Remember, Merlin is not always accurate and some birds, like Starlings and Blue Jays, are skilled mimics and can fool the app and occasionally it reports birds that just aren't there (like Ospreys at Red Oaks).
Acceptable use of Merlin:
✅ Merlin reports it hears a Yellow-Rumped Warbler, although you haven't heard anything. Your team decides to stick around in that spot until suddenly you see movement! You and your team get binoculars on the bird and identify it from field marks as the warbler.
✅ Merlin reports it hears a Virginia Rail. Your team stops and listens for a few minutes during which all members of the team hear the call with their own ears AND can recognize it as the Rail's call.
Unacceptable use of Merlin:
❌ Merlin reports it hears a Virginia Rail. You count it on the list and move on.
❌ You walk through an area and Merlin counts nine species. You only found seven. You up your list to include the other two.
Divisions:
Open Division - Any composition up to four (4) participants
Youth - More than 50% of the team must be less than 18 years old. Adult accompaniment is required, but the team can be multiple youths with no adult officially on the team.
Awards:
Trophies will be presented to winning teams in each division. These trophies will be perpetual and will rotate each year to the winners of the divisions.
One of the greatest things about birding is the honor system we all abide by with regards to listing. This event will run with that in mind.
After-party:
Independence Oaks County Park - 9501 Sashabaw Rd Clarkston, MI 48348-5 PM. We will review results, announce the winners, and enjoy a cookout. https://maps.app.goo.gl/X4CHSsavXSzFFtYT6
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Where is it happening?
Oakland County, Michigan, Waterford Township, Waterford, United States
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherOakland Bird Alliance









